"And to this purpose"

"If people like to read their books, it is all very well, but to be at so much trouble in filling great volumes, which, as I used to think, nobody would willingly ever look into, to be labouring only for the torment of little boys and girls, always struck me as a hard fate; and though I know it is all very right and necessary, I have often wondered at the person's courage that could sit down on purpose to do it." (In other words: rambling analyses, opinions, ideas, views, and comments from an English major, Essay/paper-writing enthusiastic, Austen-loving Master Librarian on, well, Jane Austen...and a whole lot of other things, too.)

"Celebrated Passages are Quoted"

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"Well, that all depends on who you're engaged to," answered Diana, with that maddening air of superior wisdom always assumed by those who are engaged over those who are not."— L.M. Montgomery

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Tweet Tweet...at Last!

I decided to bite the bullet and push forward with the Hunger Games book discussion(s). I was rather abbreviated and can't believe I've already forgotten some things. But, I answered. Perhaps some of your comments will remind me of some of my thoughts and feelings--as well as the book. Or they may bring out what I'm trying to keep under control! :-)

Mockingjay

1. What did you think about District 13? Did you have any idea about it?

Well, there were the hints about it still existing in the 2nd book. So I guess I wasn’t shocked about 13 being there, but was relieved that it was there. Besides, what would the story have been like without 13?

As far as 13 itself, it definitely had its creepy qualities. And I often felt like hyperventilating. That was either because the district was so restrictive, or because of my slight claustrophobia.

2. Did you agree with Katniss becoming the Mockingjay?

Not really. But it wasn’t her decision as much as it was there needing to be a Mockingjay at all. I don’t trust movements or such that rely solely on a symbol that has been created and which others must scramble around, stretch, and bend over backwards to keep up. Act on your own convictions people—don’t wait to stand up and fight for your beliefs and for your freedom!

Oh. Sorry. Carried away there.

3. What did you think of the “Peeta development?”

I definitely did not expect that aspect at all. And it frustrated me so much because I wanted my Peeta back. I wanted to hear my Peeta’s words and see my Peeta’s actions. ‘Cause, yeah, I’m kinda in love with my Peeta. It also hurt meso much, to see him not being...him. That was good writing and creative story develpoment to get me all worked up in so many ways where Peeta was concerned. I did like the development in Katniss where he was related, because now she couldn’t take him for granted and came to see just how wonderful and amazing Peeta was/is. And that she fought for him (she needed to). But I couldn't bear to see Peeta in such pain and confusion. *sniff*

4. What did you think of Katniss and Gale’s relationship?

I don’t care how much was written in the 2nd book, I still feel like Gale was an after-thought to throw in so there could be a love triangle. And if you take that away, then there is the fact that no matter what was alledgedly possible between Gale and Katniss, after the games Peeta is not only much better for her, but he’s the only one who fully and truly tries to understand her and be there for her the way she needs someone. And take THAT away, and it boils down to that I just never liked Gale. Ever. There's more to a man than just being brawny and bringing home the bacon (or hunting or whatever). There's compassion and consideration and gentleness and understanding and selflessness and....oh wow. I am way too much in love with a non-existent person.

5. Did you have any kind of hope in this book, and what was it for?

I had hope for Peeta. That he would turn out all right. I had hope that the stupid war would end. I had hope for the cat, of all things. I had hope that happiness could be found. I actually had hope for quite a few things, but I think that’s because I’ve come to face life with looking for whatever hope I can. Life would be unbearable without things to hope for.

6. What do you think really happened with the children near the end?

It’s been a while and I’m forgetting exact details of the end, and what exactly was meant by this question. But I think I thought that Snow was telling the truth. That Coin was behind it all. Because that would be so like her twisted, conniving, cruel, using-others, selfish self.

7. How did you feel about the way things ended up?

Still shocked about some people’s ends. But I was actually very happy about how the war “ended,” and most especially about Katniss and Peeta. Though parts of my Peeta are forever gone, I like that that was "realistic"--war touches everyone and everything. And nothing is the same after it.

3 comments:

P.S. In relation to #4. Yes, I know Gale is not just muscle. He, too, had tenderness and all that jazz. He wouldn't have cared for BOTH families otherwise. And he "took" the confusion and all pretty well. And, hey--the kid was whipped and totally stood up to that. (I'm thinking Denzel here. Whoa.) So I acknowledge the people who are for Gale and power to them.

BUT. For me, it was Peeta first. Peeta always. And no one messes with my Peeta. So I don't care what good qualities whosie-what's-it has, it won't sway me a bit. Because it's Peeta. Peeta. Peeta. Peeta. Amazing man. Terrible name.

Besides. It's my blog. So I can sigh and cheer for Peeta all I want and completely ignore Gale if I choose--and my little blog/reading world will be perfectly happy with that.

I just typed a really long comment, and then it got deleted! Ack! Trying again.

1. What did you think about District 13? Did you have any idea about it?I assumed after Catching Fire that it must still be around. Otherwise, what's the point of taunting us so much? As for the district itself, I actually really appreciated the fact that it was a grand escape into freedom for them. In some ways, I thought 13 was just as creepy as (or even more so) than the Capitol. Because in District 13, they actually think what they're doing is good.

2. Did you agree with Katniss becoming the Mockingjay? She didn't have much of a choice. And I don't think the rebellion would have succeeded without her. Right or wrong, they really seemed to need that rallying point.

3. What did you think of the “Peeta development?” My biggest fear in Catching Fire was that after being captured, Peeta would change. Of course, I thought he would just be tortured until he was bitter and mean, not that he'd be hijacked. So that's something. It made me so sad though, just to see him struggling with it!

4. What did you think of Katniss and Gale’s relationship? Poor Gale. He was doomed. Collins did a good job showing that it wasn't going to work out with him and Katniss no matter what happened to Peeta. He was just so angry and violent in this book. Understandably so, but obviously Katniss had a problem with it, even before Prim.

5. Did you have any kind of hope in this book, and what was it for? I loved that even though things were incredibly grim, there were still moments of happiness, like Finnick and Annie getting married, or Buttercup refusing to die. It's nice that even when everything it terrible, there's still hope for better things.

6. What do you think really happened with the children near the end? One of the reasons I was so creeped out by District 13-I didn't doubt for one second that Coin was behind the bombs. She's evil!!!

7. How did you feel about the way things ended up? Sob! Oh Finnick! And all those other people who died and made me sad. But especially Finnick! I loved the way things turned out with Peeta and Katniss recovering together. And even though it was incredibly sad, I liked the ending. War is sad, violent, horrific. Even when the good side wins, things are pretty awful for the people who fought the war. I'm glad she didn't sugarcoat anything.

I'm sorry you had to write that twice! But it was well-said. Good point about District 13 being creepy because they thought they were right and doing good. Eek.

I especially like how you pointed out that she didn't sugarcoat anything. Rightly so-she shouldn't have and I'm also glad that she did not. War is not meant to be a happy thing, on either side. It's wrong. That's why we strive for peace! :-)

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